Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar, has on Monday called on Muslim faithful across the country to watch for Shawwal crescent moon on Tuesday.
The instruction was contained in a statement issued by Salisu Shehu, deputy secretary-general, National Moon Sighting Committee.
Moon sighting in Shawwal marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr festival.
Read Also: Breaking: Sultan Of Sokoto Confirms Sighting Of Moon, Says Ramadan Begins Tuesday
He said the National Moon Sighting Committee has advised Shawwal moon should be looked for on May 11.
The statement reads;
In preparation for the 1442 AH ‘Idul-Fitri celebrations, the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) of the NSCIA has advised the President-General that the crescent of Shawwal should be searched for on Tuesday, 11th May 2021 equivalent to 29 Ramadan, 1442 AH.
If the crescent is actually sighted by informed persons on Tuesday night and His Eminence is so advised by the experts, he would address the Press to declare Wednesday, 12 May 2021 as the first day of Shawwal (‘Id day).
If, however, the crescent is not sighted on Tuesday night, Thursday, 13 May 2021 automatically becomes the first of Shawwal, 1442 AH (‘Id day).
He urged Muslims across the country to watch out for the Sultan’s declaration on when to end this year’s Ramadan fast.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has announced a ban on traditional Sallah homage to President by religious, community and political leaders – and he will be marking eid at Aso Rock Villa.
Read Also: Eid-El-Fitr: Buhari Directs Limited Celebrations, Bans Sallah Homage
Buhari, in a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, encouraged such leaders to be content with modest celebrations at home in view of the COVID-19 pandemic as was the case last year.
Shehu noted that President Buhari would not be travelling to his country home in Daura, Katsina State.
Rather, he revealed that the President would stay behind at Presidential Villa in Abuja to celebrate the end of this year’s Ramadan.
Shehu, however, stated that the celebration would be held low-key and President Buhari would not welcome any Sallah homage as it was the usual practice.
